CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Anthony Tamez, a Native American and new commissioner for Chicago’s 17th Police District, was one of 36 members of the city’s police oversight system who announced their support for Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson’s mayoral campaign on Monday.
“Brandon understands the key to building a better, safer, stronger Chicago lies in addressing the root causes of violence,” Tamez said. “His plan focuses on getting smart—not just tough—on crime.”
At a news conference outside Chicago City Hall, Johnson said his work with the district councils and citywide commission will be very different from his opponent Paul Vallas.
“He is supported by entities that want to put more guns on the street,” Johnson said. “We’re working to get guns off the street. It’s why not only are we going to train and promote 200 more detectives, we’re going to make sure we spend to implement, with all expediency, the consent decree.”
Johnson added that police officers shouldn't have to respond to every 911 call, especially those dealing with someone with mental health issues or medical ones.
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“If we have EMTs and social workers on the front line, that frees up law enforcement to deal with the more serious, violent crime,” he said. “Over 40% of the violence that happens in the city of Chicago, it happens in the 6% of the city. These are communities that reflect the community that my family is being raised in.”
Arewa Karen Winters, who was elected to the 15th District Council, took a dim view regarding the possibility of Vallas being a champion of police reform.
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“Paul Vallas will not work with us without being biased because he has aligned himself with the Fraternal Order of Police, and they are resistant to any change, reform, or accountability measures,” Winters said.
Johnson said it’s a big deal to have the support of the new commissioners.
“In order for us to have a better, safer, stronger city, you have to have the input from the community. These district council members are the fabric of the city of Chicago.”
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